We are coming to the close of first semester. I can't believe half the school year is already completed! Students have been working hard and teachers are seeing their progress. We are finishing up mid-year assessments in reading (I-Station) and math (iReady) this week. Teachers will be able to report student progress on report cards that will go home in January.

Help your child join in the fun for the 12 Days of Winter Fun by dressing up each day according to the theme of the day. Also, look at the daily family activity that can be done each day too.

Winter break can feel long, but here are some things you can do with your children to create fun memories and keep their academic skills going too:

• Read aloud - choose a novel or a winter picture book each day to read as a family
• If it snows, build a snowman together
• Bake a treat - have your child practice their reading and math skills by reading a recipe and baking a special treat together. Then you all can enjoy the goodness.
• Do a random act of kindness. An example could be shoveling a neighbor's driveway and sidewalk if it snows.
• Play a board game as a family. Games teach social skills, sportsmanship, critical thinking, and are fun too!

We have a busy month ahead of us!